Columbia University | School of International and Public Affairs | Environmental Coalition

ECO Events, Jobs and More: March 4th, 2013

We hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Don’t forget that registration is now open for the 2nd Columbia University Earth Summit: Driving Collaborative Solutions. To learn more about this event check out the event listing below or to register for the conference go to http://www.columbiaearthsummit.com/#!register/cjg9

ECO and partners have an exciting line up of events in the coming weeks, so make sure and mark your Calendars. To stay on top of all our new and events do not forget to check out ECO-SIPA.org and join our listserve or forward to a friend

He is a leading scholar on transnational and global challenges, ranging from climate change to disease eradication. His research focuses on how institutions like norms, customary law, resolutions, and treaties can be used to promote international cooperation. He has advised a number of international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Bank, the OECD, the European Commission, and the International Task Force on Global Public Goods. He was previously a lead author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and a member of the Academic Panel to the Department of Environment in the UK.

– Mr Tim Gore. International Policy Adviser on Climate Change at Oxfam International

Tim leads the development of Oxfam GB’s advocacy and research on international climate change policy, and heads the Oxfam GB policy-lobby team at the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). His particular areas of expertise include the UNFCCC negotiations, adaptation to climate change, climate finance, carbon markets and the climate change policy and politics of the European Union.

Dr. Jessica Fanzo, Assistant Professor of Nutrition in the Institute of Human Nutrition and Department of Pediatrics at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. Fanzo is an expert in international nutrition, immunology, and the promotion of biodiversity.

Meha Jain, PhD candidate at Columbia. Her research examines the effects of short-term climate variability on agricultural production in northwest India.

Molly Crossin, Hot Bread Kitchen’s Communications and Development Director. Hot Bread Kitchen is a NYC based non-profit that opens professional opportunities in the culinary industry for immigrant women and minority entrepreneurs.
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What: The Wall Street Green Summit is the longest running and most comprehensive environmental market event in the industry. Launched in 2002 by Peter Fusaro, The Wall Street Green Summit covers cutting edge content, industry developments and features the practitioners and the leaders of tomorrow. Hear it here first!

The Wall Street Green Summit XII is the “one-stop shop” to come up to speed on the latest developments in Green Trading and Finance.
When: Monday, March 18th
Where: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, New York, NY 10012
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What: The 2nd Columbia University Earth Summit: Driving Collaborative Solutions
When: March 28th-29th
Where: The Columbia University Faculty House

The 2nd Columbia University Earth Summit, Driving Collaborative Solutions, will bring business and social leaders together with academics and students to foster the new leadership required by today’s complex world. This one-day event will take place on Friday, March 29, 2013, at the iconic Columbia University Faculty House in New York City. We are honored to open the day with the renowned economist and senior UN advisor, Jeffrey Sachs, who will give a sobering account of the challenges that face humanity, followed by panel discussions with leaders and distinguished Columbia faculty. This year’s Earth Summit also features dynamic and interactive sessions, such as an Idea Lab and a Social Venture Challenge hosted by The Resolution Project in collaboration with The Earth Institute’s Center on Globalization and Sustainable Development, and will end with a networking reception.

While the question of Climate Change is still being discussed, for the vast majority of the population living in rapidly changing circumstances, the debate is over. Climate change is real, and it is here to stay. Climate, along with equally important drivers—such as overpopulation and economic growth—force us to confront an uncomfortable question: are we prepared for the challenge?

At this year’s Earth Summit, 300 participants will exchange insights, mobilize solutions, and collaborate on future risks and opportunities. Especially in light of the recent destruction wreaked by Hurricane Sandy, this year’s Earth Summit will focus on driving collaborative solutions that reach across traditional barriers to form inspiring partnerships. It is no longer enough to merely discuss the challenges confronting us; March 29 will be a day to showcase the human ingenuity happening at Columbia University and throughout New York City.

On behalf of Columbia University, we are pleased to invite you to The 2nd Columbia University Earth Summit. We look forward to welcoming you to engage in creating bold ideas with an exceptionally diverse group of leaders this year. Together, we can find the solutions that make our world a better place for future generations.
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Eco Cuba Network Environmental Protection & Sustainable Development Research Trip
What: This Cuba research program takes place during the
IX International Conference on the Environment and Development. Research program includes urban and rural site visits in Havana and western Cuba
When: July 5th–14th, 2013
Where: Cuba

EKO is seeking a research intern to research carbon markets and assist in the administration of its Green Carbon Fund (GCF). The GCF invests in carbon offset projects in the forestry and agriculture sectors that generate offsets for the California carbon market. The responsibilities of the position will include:

The Natural Infrastructure Innovative Financing Lab (NatLab) is a collaboration between EKO, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and The Nature Conservancy. NatLab aims to catalyze private investment in natural infrastructure solutions which use ecosystem services to provide infrastructure services with enhanced environmental value. NatLab works to create the regulatory, financial, and policy context to catalyze investment in natural infrastructure by working with experts and stakeholders to make policy recommendations, test financing structures, and facilitate innovative cooperation. The responsibilities of the position will include:

Researching local policies and systems that provide incentives or opportunities to utilize natural infrastructure.
Support in analyzing and synthesizing information on policies and projects to create reports on natural infrastructure initiatives.
Research financing structures that facilitate private investment in natural infrastructure.
Desired skills and experience for all positions

Entrepreneurial ability to manage project workflow and manage relationships
Experience synthesizing information from a variety of sources into professional, well-written consulting reports
Quantitative and analytical skills preferred, knowledge of excel modeling a plus but not required
Demonstrated ability to work independently and meet deadlines
Knowledge of climate and environmental policy, impact investing, payments for ecosystem services and/or other environmental markets
Ability to communicate effectively (i.e. verbal and written)
Master’s degree candidate in Business, Finance or Environmental preferred
Knowledge of carbon offset standards, protocols, and methodologies a plus
Demonstrated desire and motivation to learn about and improve the field of environmental impact investing
EKO Asset Management Partners (www.ekoamp.com) is a specialized investment management and advisory firm focused on discovering and monetizing unrealized and unrecognized environmental assets, with an emphasis on carbon and ecosystem service markets. The firm brings decades of experience from advising and investing in mainstream capital markets with a particular focus on carbon assets, water, natural infrastructure, and sustainable development.

EKO invests in projects that create environmental value, as well as advises landowners, companies, investors and government agencies that can benefit from existing and emerging environmental markets. EKO was founded in January of 2008 by a team composed of professionals experienced in environmental markets, banking, and investment management. EKO’s founding shareholders include Wolfensohn & Co and several other family offices and investment firms with an interest in environmental assets.

To Apply: Please submit a resume along with a short cover letter expressing your interest to Nathan Ranney (nranney@ekoamp.com).

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Sustainability Intern-InterContinental Barclay New York Hotel
Job Description: The InterContinental Barclay New York hotel is looking for fall/spring/summer interns to engage in a multitude of sustainable development projects on property. In particular, these interns will help manage and execute the following potential sustainability projects:

If a student has a particular interest area they would like to research and/or further develop—their ideas are welcome during the interview process. We are looking for enthusiastic students looking to build, maintain, and grow relationships within the various departments involved with sustainability throughout the hotel—housekeeping, food and beverage, stewarding, engineering, etc. Time Commitment: Part-time (Averaging 12-16 hours per week); depending on student’s availability

Required Qualifications:
BA/BS degree majoring in sustainable development; but all majors welcome
Outstanding communication skills (written and verbal)
Outstanding organizational and project management skills
High standards and exceptional attention to detail, especially in working alongside hospitality colleagues
Enthusiastic commitment to the organization’s mission and environmental sustainability goals
Ability to work independently and collaboratively; take initiative and risks; and approach problems creatively

Please email your resume and cover letter of interest to Robert Blasi, Area Director of Human Resources;

Job Title: Part Time Internship: Strategic Initiatives, Development and External Relations (2 positions)
Please find this internship opportunity at the Earth Institute below. If you are interested, please email me at csmall@ei.columbia.edu with a resume and cover letter no later than COB March 8th. Best of luck!

Job Description: The Earth Institute seeks a part time intern to work to support the new Office of Director of Strategic Initiatives, Development and External Relations at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Among other assignments, the interns will conduct research that facilitates the work of the Office and draft materials for external communications. Interns will assist with generating email updates, newsletters, correspondence, and social media content related to fundraising, communication and external relations efforts for Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. The interns will provide support for the planning and execution of events, meetings, seminars, and special programs, which may include responsibilities such as preparing materials and providing general logistical support.

The Earth Institute at Columbia University is the world’s leading academic center for the integrated study of Earth and its environment, human society and the interaction between the two. The Earth Institute is a consortium of more than 850 scientists, post-doctoral fellows, staff and students working in and across more than 30 Columbia University research centers and programs. Its overarching goal is to help achieve sustainable development primarily by expanding our understanding of the Earth as one integrated system. The Earth Institute works toward this goal through scientific research, education and the practical application of research for solving real-world challenges.

Requirements: a Bachelor’s degree plus two (2) years of related experience. Applicants must be full-time students at either Columbia or Barnard.

Skills Required: The position requires excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills. The candidate must be able to work in a fast-paced environment while remaining organized and precise. The candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Applicants should be highly motivated, and detail oriented. A strong interest in the environment and sustainable development is preferred, but not required.

The positions are based at the Lamont campus in Palisades, NY. A shuttle bus between the Lamont and Morningside campuses operates hourly during regular working hours.

Compensation: $15/hour, 15-20 hours a week for the Spring semester (with potential for continuing the internship in the summer, full or part-time)
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Lindsey Brickle
SIPA Environmental Coalition (ECO) Communications Director
Columbia University| School of International & Public Affairs
MA, Sustainable International Development 2010
Brandeis University, Heller School of Social Policy and Management
lab2226@columbia.edu